Activity Description
Outside of visiting the actual Waterfall, a Zambezi River Sunset Boat Cruise is by far the most popular activity done in Victoria Falls. Almost everyone who visits does a cruise. And we can understand why! Who wouldn’t want to be drifting along one of the world’s largest rivers, just up from the world’s largest waterfall!
Board your cruise boat in the afternoon and immediately be left in awe at the sheer size of this mighty river. Now you can understand how a massive waterfall like Victoria Falls never runs dry. The volume of water is humbling, as is the knowledge that this river has been forging its way through the lad for centuries before you and will continue to do so long after you have left.
A Sunset cruise is a great way to meet new people. Hardly ever alone, you will enjoy your adventure with many other passengers, all smiling and jovial. It helps that there is a bottomless bar, serving a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. A favorite is the classical gin and tonic or Zimbabwe’s very own brew, Zambezi Lager. Named after the very river you are cruising on.
During this 3-4 hour activity you will learn of the incredible history the river has, as well as encounter a variety of animal and bird life. Regular sightings include pods of hippo, submerging their large bodies in the cool water, and massive Nile crocodiles. Normally the prehistoric reptiles strike fear in all who encounter them, but from the safety of your cruise boat you have the chance to marvel at their perfect design. From a distance that is. Always a favorite animal encounter is the swimming elephants. Whilst this is not a guaranteed encounter, it is a sight to behold. These giants of nature completely submerged with just their trunks sticking above the surface, like the periscope of a submarine.
As the name implies, the pinnacle of your cruise is the always wondrous African Sunset. Drifting peacefully with the current of the river and a drink in hand makes it that much more special.
An activity for the whole family, and enjoyed by parent and child alike!
Zambezi River Cruise Activity Requirements
Age Limit: No age limits.
Minimum Height: No minimum height
Maximum Height: No maximum height
Fitness Level: No Fitness Requirement.
Maximum Weight: No maximum weight
Experience Level: No Experience Requirement.
Additional Information
Duration: The whole excursion from time of pickup to drop off at your hotel is approximately 2.5 hours.
Seasonal Activity: The Sunset Cruise is not a seasonal activity and is done throughout the year.
What to wear: Clients are advised to wear comfortable clothing items, warm clothing in winter (April to August)
What to bring: Clients are advised to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, camera and binoculars.
How safe is the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise?
This is one of the safest activities available, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The cruise boats are built for water far rougher than the river ever gets and piloted by experienced Captains.
All cruise boats are equipped with more life jackets than their carrying capacity, as well as several life rings. Besides the Captain, there is a crew of well-trained experienced staff on board for your comfort and safety. Every cruise boat is able to connect with the shore over 2 way radio in case of emergency.
With young children of our own, the Zambezi River cruise is one of those activities that you can truly relax and let your children explore and have fun. Incredibly safe allowing you to fully enjoy the adventure before you.
What is the difference Dinner Cruise and a Sunset Cruise?
The main obvious difference is that a dinner cruise offers dinner. A glorious 4 course spread freshly prepared onboard. Whilst food is offered on a sunset cruise, this is in the form of finger snacks.
The other major difference is the times at which the cruises leave and get back. For safety and management reasons the Zambezi River has a curfew of 6:30pm. Sunset cruises leave around 3:30pm need to be back and docked before the curfew takes effect. A dinner cruise has special permits allowing them to be on the river later than curfew. As such they start a little later, usually around 5:30pm and continue to 8:30pm or there about.
With the additions that come with a dinner cruise there is also obviously a difference in prices. A standard sunset cruise costs in the region of $60 per person. A dinner cruise comes in a little higher at about $90 per person.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included:
- Transfers from your hotel/lodge.
- Drinks and snacks.
Excluded:
- Park fees which are currently US$10pp.
